The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Caucus of Constituency Chairmen has called on the Ghana Police Service and National Security to arrest individuals who have publicly claimed they know about the death of John Kumah, former Deputy Finance Minister, to assist in investigations.
In a statement dated Monday, March 11, and signed by its secretary, Abraham Kofi Oduro-Kyeremateng, the Caucus stated, amongst other things, that the claims by certain individuals in the media space have “come far ahead of an official autopsy report from the medical team.”
Hence, the Caucus considers the actions “criminal allegations,” which must be investigated by the security agencies.
“First of all, we think these are criminal allegations and the Ghana Police Command and National Security must seek proof of the alleged poisoning immediately.
“Individuals and groups who have publicly claimed to know anything about the death of Hon. John Ampontuah Kumah must be arrested to assist the Police in their investigation into these claims which have come far ahead of an official autopsy report from the medical team,” the statement added.
The Caucus further held a considered view that these allegations and the casting of aspersions on some party leaders are “dangerous to the future of our party, especially going into the December 7 elections.”
The statement therefore called on the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, whose staff have been accused of “spreading unsubstantiated allegations” about the death of Mr. John Kumah, to “advise the presenters of his media outfit to discontinue these allegations.”
Read the full statement below:
Date: 11th March, 2024
PRESS STATEMENT BY ASHANTI REGIONAL CAUCUS OF CONSTITUENCY CHAIRMEN OF NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY.
We continue to mourn with the families of the departed patriots, especially, the sudden demise of the Hon. John Ampontuah Kumah.
In our mourning state, circumstances have compelled us to issue this press statement at a time our party, family and friends are still in grief over the untimely passing of our beloved Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Hon. Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah.
For us, this is a difficult period for the bereaved family, and they need to be accorded all the respect. However, since the news of the death of our respected Deputy Finance Minister broke on Thursday, March 7, 2024, Wontumi TV/FM show host Oheneba Nana Asiedu has waged a spurious campaign by alleging that he was poisoned and has gone ahead to link the alleged poisoning to the NPP running mate issue, without providing any evidence.
First of all, we think these are criminal allegations and the Ghana Police Command and National Security must seek proof of the alleged poisoning immediately. Individuals and groups who have publicly claimed to know anything about the death of Hon. John Ampontuah Kumah must be arrested to assist the Police in their investigation into these claims which have come far ahead of an official autopsy report from the medical team.
Again, we see the allegations and the casting of aspersions on some party leaders as dangerous to the future of our party especially going into the December 7 elections.
Under the circumstances, we appeal to the Regional NPP Chairman, Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi who owns Wontumi Media to call Oheneba Nana Asiedu and his conspirators at the media station to order.
